BONUS: Share: Compassion

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me! Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. You of little faith, he said, why did you doubt? (Matthew 14:2931)

Peter is known for being a leader among the disciples, for his job as a fisherman, for denying Jesus three times, and for his passionate and eager faith. Peter was ready to follow Jesus anywhere. In fact, when Jesus called Peter to follow him as his disciple, Peter immediately dropped what he was doing and followed him. And when the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, Peter asked Jesus to call him out onto the water too.

Peter stepped out of the boat, trusting that if Jesus called him, he could do the impossible. For a minute, he walked on water. But then he took his eyes off Jesus, just for a second, and started to sink. When Jesus rescued him, he asked, Why did you doubt? (Matthew 14:31).

Here is the thing: However imperfectly, Peter got out of the boat. This story reminds us that faith isnt about never failing; its about always coming back to Jesus. Peters willingness to step out in faith grew his relationship with the Lord; it allowed him to experience miracles and do great things for Gods people and church. We can do those things too, but only if we are brave enough to get out of the boat.

It doesnt have to be perfect. A life of faith has ups and downs, and we will all have moments of doubt. But a passion for Jesus means that when we fail, we always know who to reach for, knowing that he will reach back and help us.

This week, lets pray that our kids take a risk for their faith. Lets pray that they boldly and passionately follow where Jesus asks them to, knowing that with him they can do the impossible.

Jesus, give __________ a bold and passionate faith in you. Help them to hear your call for their life and give them the courage to follow you in that calling. When they face dear or doubt, remind them to call on you and trust in your goodness. Amen.

Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Procrastination is something every family faces. It shows up in our own lives and in our kids, often leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure where to start.

In this episode, Jon Acuff returns to share practical insight from his latest book, Procrastination Proof. The conversation explores why we procrastinate, the common traps that keep us stuck, and how to take small, meaningful steps toward progress.

We also talk about how these patterns show up in our kids and what it looks like to guide them with understanding and encouragement instead of frustration.

This episode is a helpful reminder that getting unstuck doesnt require perfectionjust a willingness to take the next step.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Procrastination and Its Universality

02:57 Jon Acuff's Journey to Writing 11 Books

05:56 Understanding Procrastination as a Solution

09:02 The Satisfaction of Completing Tasks

11:53 Four Permissions to Overcome Procrastination

15:05 Navigating New Seasons of Life

18:10 Encouragement for Moms Facing Identity Changes

19:14 Emotional Transitions of Parenting

20:04 Understanding Different Parenting Styles

25:45 Identifying Parenting Traps

30:30 Encouragement for Personal Growth

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Jon Acuff

Procrastination Proof - Jons new book

Four Traps Quiz

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

Sign up for Morning Minute

Open a LearningRX center

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Zacchaeus was a very rich and corrupt tax collector who was disliked by the Jewish people. One day, Jesus was passing through town and Zacchaeus decided he wanted to see him! But as you may know, Zacchaeus was a wee little man, so he had to climb a tree to get a good view. Much to everyones surprise and dismay, Jesus pointed him out, spoke to him, and invited himself over.

At that moment, Zacchaeuss heart changed. He felt guilty, but he also acted on his guilt and repented. He vowed to give half his possessions to the poor and to pay back four times the amount to anyone he had cheated. This wasnt just a small apologyit was a complete turnaround; salvation came to his house and his faith was real because it moved him to action.

We all have a barrier to genuinely meeting and following Jesus. For Zacchaeus, it was his corrupt values and his size. But Jesus broke through those barriers, and when he did, Zacchaeus repented. For our kids, those barriers might be life situations, friends, or even distractions. But no barrier is too big for Christ to reach us. Jesus sees each of us and knows us personally. He invited himself into Zacchaeuss life, though Zacchaeus was a known sinner, and he invites himself into our kids hearts too.

But responding to Jesus isnt just about hearing his call; its about repentance. Zacchaeus didnt just listen, he changed. As parents, we want our kids to truly follow Jesus, and that means turning away from sin and choosing a new way of life with him.

This week, lets pray that our kids recognize the sin in their lives and repent of that sin, feeling confident that Jesus forgives them.

Jesus, thank you for forgiving our sins. Help __________ to see the sin in their life and to feel convicted. Take away all their guilt and shame in a way that only you can as they experience your perfect forgiveness. And may they live their life in a way that reflects your grace. Amen.

Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Loving your family well isnt always as simple as it sounds. There are seasons when connection feels easy, and others when you feel unseen, unheard, or like your efforts just arent landing.

In this episode, Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, shares insights from decades of helping couples and families better understand how to give and receive love. With the release of his latest book, the conversation goes deeper into how love languages can shape stronger, more meaningful relationships at home.

We talk about what to do when you dont feel loved, how to better understand your spouse and children, and why taking the first step in showing love can shift the entire dynamic of a relationship. Theres also practical wisdom on how to approach hard conversations with care and intentionality.

This episode is a powerful reminder that small, consistent choices in how we love can make a lasting impact on our families.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Gary Chapman

01:43 The Importance of Feeling Loved

03:43 Gary Chapman's Life and Work

04:58 Understanding Love Languages

08:42 The New Book: The Love Language That Matters Most

12:39 Communicating Love Effectively

16:46 Identifying Love Languages in Children

17:49 Understanding Love Languages in Early Childhood

20:55 Practical Parenting Tips Using Love Languages

24:38 Engaging with Teenagers: Navigating Independence

29:32 Adapting Love Languages for Teenagers

32:23 Legacy of Love: Reflections on Parenting and Faith

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from todays show:

Connect with Dr. Gary Chapman

5 Love Languages

5 Love Languages free test

5 Love Languages Premium Assessment

The Love Language That Matters Most - new book

5 Love Languages of Children

5 Love Languages of Teenagers

Open a LearningRX center

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3)

In the story of Mary and Martha, Mary was the sister who understood the big picture and spent a lot of time at the feet of Jesus. First, she sat at his feet as a disciple would do and listened to Jesus as he taught. Later, she anointed Jesuss feet with expensive perfume and washed them with her hair.

It would have been easy for Mary to be distracted and overwhelmed like her sister became. There was a lot going on and there were a lot of people in her house! Jesus was staying with them and the end of his ministry was nearing. He had also just resurrected their brother! Mary could have multitasked her way through that dinner, but she focused her whole self on Jesus instead.

We live in a culture that tells us we can have it all and do it all, and we can multitask and be more efficient. But we cant multitask Jesus. Jesus was not suggesting that Mary (or Martha) completely disregard their responsibilities, but he was calling them to focus fully on the most important thing, which was him in that moment.

What would it look like for our families to focus on Jesus without distractions? As parents, we can model abiding in Christ and encourage our kids to do the sameto experience the gift of learning from him about eternal things instead of rushing around focusing on the present.

This week, lets pray that our kids say no to distractions and grow in their ability to solely focus on Jesus and truly abide in his presence.

Jesus, thank you for being our teacher and our Savior. I pray that __________ chooses to sit at your feet and focus on you. As they do the work you have called them to, help them to remember that you are the most important thing. When they are distracted, as they inevitably will be, draw nearer to them. Amen.

Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org